KINGSTON (CBS) – He was one of the most popular pets at the Friends of the Plymouth Pound Adoption Center and that could be one of the reasons why “Speckles” was swiped. A reward sign now hangs on an empty cage where the Tiger Kitten once slept at the adoption center in the Independence Mall.

Volunteers say on Christmas Eve day someone stole Speckles and the donation jar full of cash when the center was closed. Center Director Gayle Fitzpatrick said, “This upsets all of us because we don’t know where Speckles ended up.”

Volunteers believe the suspect hid out somewhere in the back of the shelter until it closed. Then they say he walked out, put on one of the volunteer shirts, grabbed Speckles and headed out the back door.

WBZ-TV’s Kathy Curran reports

Fitzpatrick said, “We have witnesses who saw the person in our store wearing the shirt, they thought what a nice guy to volunteer on Christmas Eve day when in fact he was heading out the door with a kitten.”

Little DJ Antoine wanted to adopt Speckles one day. He and his mom used to visit the kitten every time they came to mall. The 3-year-old said, “I think it’s a bad person.” Volunteers at the center just want the stolen kitten caper solved and want Speckles to find a good home.

Speckles isn’t neutered and has a tiny bald spot on the back of his neck. There is a $500 reward for the return of the kitten, no questions asked. Call (508)942-3517 if you have any information.